Monday, 2 September 2013

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: how the players rated - Telegraph.co.uk

Made a good early block to deny Soldado and began the build-up to Giroud's goal with an important tackle on Chadli, as the Spurs winger threatened to break through.

Laurent Koscielny 6

Returned from a one-match domestic ban and was a solid presence in the Arsenal back line. Set the tone by snuffing out a dangerous early burst from Townsend down Arsenal's left.

Kieran Gibbs 6

Was exposed at times defensively, particularly by the pace of Townsend, but he really grew into the game and was a useful outlet for Arsenal on the left.

Aaron Ramsey 8

Missed a really good opportunity in the first half, ballooning over from 16 yards when dangerously placed, but he broke the play up magnificently and drove the Gunners midfield forward.

Jack Wilshere 6

Wilshere had looked strong in the centre of midfield before being forced off in the first half. The good news for Arsenal and England was that his early departure was down to illness, rather than injury.

Tomas Rosicky 7

By the time he was withdrawn late in the match, his impact had diminished, but he was heavily involved in the first half and set Walcott free with a nicely-weighted pass in the build-up to the goal.

Santi Cazorla 7

A creative menace who was at the heart of so much of Arsenal's good work in the first half. Proved an elusive target for Spurs, who struggled to get to grips with him.

Theo Walcott 8

His speed was a constant problem for the Tottenham backline. Got a lot of joy from running in behind them, including for Giroud's goal, for which he supplied the cross.

Olivier Giroud 7

Has now scored in all three of Arsenal's Premier League games this season. Showed the sort of predatory instincts for his goal that Arsenal forwards have so long been accused of lacking.

Substitutes:

Mathieu Flamini for Wilshere (43 mins) A tenacious display that helped overcome the loss of Wilshere. Booked for a strong challenge on Rose 7